Zenas Matthews' 1846 U.S.-Mexico War Diary and Service Papers

Saturday June 13th 1846 This morning rode to the point and find it a beautiful place. It being a bluff and a fine view. Brazos Santiago is in sight where the most of the vessels lay it being the port of entry for the Rio Grande. The Louisvill Legion is encamped at Brazos Santiago The Texan Infantry is encampe d near the town. Two of the companies arrived this after noon from the east On board the Steamer [Pastion?] also a large number from N Orleans There is 2 companies of artillery here for the protection of the town it being ditched in and mounted with cannon. Went to the hospital and find a considerable number of men was wounded in the engagements of the 8th and 9th of May. [?] of the son are dying the weather being very hot This evening the Govenour arrived at our camp from Matamoras with Genl Burleson Hunt Lane and others.

Saturday July 4th 1846 This Morning we heard the firing of the guns at Matamoras in celebration of the aniversary of American Indipen dence. At 4 oclock we met at the Governer Hendersen's tent where Genl [?] after a few prelimina ry remarks read the declaration of Independence. Doctor Ashbel Smith followed with a very good speech When done Wm Scurry was called on unanimously and made a very beautifull and flowery oration amid the acclimations of the audience Mr [?] of Virginia was then called on and delivered a short oration when the meeting was dismissed. Capt Green presided. Today we have a fine breeze, but for several days it had been very hot. We have had 8 or 10 new recruits in our company in the last few days This evening we had volunters sing and speeches with which we spent the evening very pleasantly. July 9th 1846 Went to Point Isabel for the purpose of procuring Leon a [convey?] and to [Galveston?] for being sick and the Surgeon advises his return home. There being no [steamers?] in I failed in procuring